With a combined total of 65 years of experience, three members of staff are set to retire from Richard Taylor School in Harrogate.

Now the academic year is over, the school is giving a fond farewell to two teachers and their site manager, all of whom have more than a decade of service.

Lynne Sidgwick has worked as a teacher for 38 years and has seen the introduction of the national curriculum and Ofsted, as well as the explosion of ICT in schools with netbooks, iPads and smartboards, all of which now forms a fundamental part of the teacher’s toolkit.

With some reluctance to leave, she said: “It is a nice family atmosphere and nobody wants to leave, but it is a new stage of life.

“There have been lots of memorable occasions. I will miss the team spirit.”

Richard Taylor headteacher Andrew Symonds said: “Mrs Sidgwick is a truly amazing individual who has given a huge amount to the school.

“She has taught many of the parents of children in school and was my mentor as a newly qualified teacher nearly 25 years ago.

“To maintain such high standards and enthusiasm for the job after such a long time is absolutely fantastic.”

After 15 years at the school, Lynne Stott is also retiring. As special educational needs coordinator, art teacher, and RE teacher in her time, Mr Symonds said her dedication to meeting the needs of some of the school’s most vulnerable children has been recognised by parents and colleagues alike.

Mrs Stott used to teach overseas, and she now hopes to return to her travels after leaving the school.

She said: “I have been here for 15 years and it is one of nicest schools that I have worked in.

“There are lovely children and dedicated staff, but I am retiring to travel the world.”

Site manager Ian Hodgson, who has worked at Richard Taylor School for 12 years, completes the trio of retirees.

Mr Symonds said: “He does a lot of his work behind the scenes but has helped to maintain a school environment that we are all proud of.

“It is great to be able to fully recognise the tremendous contribution made by each member of staff and celebrate their time at Richard Taylor.

“This is an exciting time for the school as we open a new chapter in the School’s history. We are fortunate to have a school full of dedicated and talented staff that will pick up the baton carried by these staff.”

Leanne Heard is also leaving the school, however she will be back once her maternity leave is over following the birth of her first child.